History

The History of The Old Gray Barn

Prior to 1870The original barn on the site is built, but is destroyed by fire.

1870 - Construction of the existing barn is completed.

1930 - The barn is abandoned when owners move their farmhouse and barn closer to the road when electric power comes to the valley. Remnants of the old farmhouse can still be seen as evidenced by the cellar hole near the road.

2001 - The Calfee/Davis family purchases the land and the dilapidated saltbox barn, one of the last non-conserved farms in the Mettowee Valley. Due to the poor condition of the structure, the debate is to take it down and salvage the timber frame and materials or complete a major renovation of the old barn. Before the contract closes for purchase, somebody steals the slate tiles from the roof!

2003 - Some initial work is completed just to reinforce the existing structure and all the openings are boarded up so it does not collapse under the heavy snows or windy conditions. The shed roof on the north side is stabilized.

2007 - Development rights of 100 acres of prime agricultural land are sold to the Vermont Land Trust. This adds yet another puzzle piece of land to the already conserved acres in the valley.

The sale of the land provides working capital to invest in the barn and property.

An idea is sprung! The first wedding takes place when a member of the Calfee family marries. The celebration is held at the current ceremony site overlooking the fields and the family enjoys a lively reception with music inside The Old Gray Barn.

2008 - Clapboard siding and insulation is completed.

2014 - A wedding couple barters the installation of a well for the barn in exchange for a wedding. There’s water!

2017 - The septic system is installed. Now indoor plumbing can be added!

2018 - Bathrooms and a catering kitchen are added as an extension to the back of the barn. There’s modern convenience now!

2018 - The Old Gray Barn joins the Church Street Hospitality family. Wedding couples and their families and friends can now enjoy full service hospitality just 3.5 miles away in Dorset Village…lodging and exceptional catering from Barrows House and The Dorset Inn and delectable baked goods and wedding cakes from Dorset Rising Bakery & Café.